UBA GMD, Bago, AGF, others honoured at ICAN 2026 Awards night
The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of United Bank for Africa (UBA), Oliver Alawuba, has been honoured by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) at its 2026 Annual Dinner and Awards Night.
He was recognized alongside the Governor of Niger State, Umar Mohammed Bago; the Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr. Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi, FCA; and other eminent Nigerians.
The prestigious event, held over the weekend in Lagos, brought together top leaders from both the public and private sectors to celebrate individuals and organizations whose contributions have significantly impacted Nigeria’s economic growth and professional development.
Alawuba, who received the award in the Non-Members Category, was presented with the honour by the former Governor of Ogun State and Special Guest of Honour, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, FCA, alongside the President and Chairman of Council of ICAN, Mallam Haruna Nma Yahaya.
Speaking after receiving the award, Alawuba dedicated the recognition to the thousands of UBA employees across Africa whose dedication and commitment continue to drive the bank’s success and expansion.
He noted that the honour belongs to every member of the UBA family who works tirelessly to serve customers and build an institution that transcends individuals.
Addressing young Nigerians, Alawuba emphasized the importance of competence, integrity, discipline, and professionalism in building a globally competitive Africa.
He stated that there are no shortcuts to success, urging the youth to uphold integrity and remain committed to excellence so that recognition will follow.
In his remarks, the ICAN President, Mallam Haruna Nma Yahaya, described the award recipients as exemplary leaders whose careers embody the values of integrity, professionalism, accountability, and service.
He stated that the evening was not only about celebrating achievements but also about showcasing role models whose impact and values can inspire the accounting profession and the wider Nigerian economy.
Also speaking at the event, Senator Ibikunle Amosun commended Alawuba’s support for the institute, describing him as an exceptional financial leader with a strong commitment to professional development.
Other recipients in the Non-Members Category included Governor Umar Mohammed Bago of Niger State; Kunle Ahmed, CEO of AXA Mansard Insurance Plc and Chairman of the Nigerian Insurers Association; and Prof. Godwin Chinyere Nwabunka, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Amadeus University.
In the Members Category, the Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr. Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi, FCA, was honoured alongside Uwem Andrew-Essien, FCA, the Accountant-General of Akwa Ibom State, and Dr. Odunayo Ani, ACA, Director of the Financial Services Department at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
The Young Members Category recognized Olumide Akinpelumi, FCA, Associate Director of Indirect Tax and Global Trade at Ernst & Young, and Hauwa Nana Ibrahim, ACA, Group Director of Non-Tax Revenue at the Nigeria Revenue Service.
Corporate Awards were also presented to Amber Prime Plastics Limited, New Nigeria Development Company Limited, and Dufil Prima Foods Limited for their contributions to Nigeria’s business and economic environment.